Appliances Online CEO John Winning says renovate kitchens before bathrooms. Picture: Alan Pryke Source: National Features MORE than half of Australia's homeowners plan to renovate in the next four years, and doing it right doesn't have to blow the budget.
A national survey by Appliances Online has found bathrooms are the prime focus of renovators. However experts say that money may be better spent elsewhere.
The survey found South Australians are the most likely of all people to renovate in the next 12 months, at 34 per cent, with 37 per cent targeting the bathroom and 28 per cent planning a kitchen upgrade.
Appliances Online chief executive John Winning (inset) says if choosing between renovating a kitchen and a bathroom, go for the kitchen. "Clean the bathroom and renovate the kitchen," he says.
"It's really obvious if you have an old kitchen."
Winning advises that self-closing cupboards, soft-closing drawers, classy benchtops, induction cooktops and steam ovens are among the kitchen features that impress, and many prices have recently dropped.
"Never go cheap on the rangehood. Everyone tries to save money on it but it's the most important appliance for the longevity of a kitchen," Winning says.
His other top tips are:
* Draw up a plan before you start your project.
* Put a cost on your time if taking the DIY road: "If you complete the renovation yourself but it takes several years it might not be worth it."
* Don't move the plumbing - relocating sinks and toilets is expensive, so try to plan the renovation around them.
* You get what you pay for, so use quality materials and goods that will stand up to the tests of time. "You could also consider the efficiency of your lights and appliances - an inefficient fridge will add to your yearly energy bill."
Toop & Toop sales partner Tim Thredgold says the best budget renovation for people looking to add value to a home is a new paint job.
"A good paint-through will change a home, clean it, brighten it, and lighten it," he says.
Thredgold says the major renovation projects with which to add value are, in order, a family room addition, outdoor living spaces, kitchen, and then the bathroom.
"Pay attention to the money areas, kitchens and bathrooms. A change of fittings, taps and towel rails can give a lift if they match. Appliances in a kitchen can give a mighty lift," he says.
